Playing board games is a great way to spend quality time with your family and friends.
They’re also a fantastic way to keep kids entertained and reduce stress. With so many best board games for kids available, it can be hard to know where to start.
However, our range of recommendations is sure to have something that fits your tastes and your kid’s needs.
Here are the best board games for kids;
1. Catan
If you have a kid that loves playing board games and would benefit from extra practice with strategy, Catan is a great option. This strategy game has become popular over the last decade and is an excellent introduction to strategy and negotiation.
It’s so popular that a new edition was released in 2017. The basic concept is that you and your friends are island farmers trying to make a profit. Players take turns building roads and settlements to connect islands and try to build the longest roads possible.
At the end of the game, points are awarded for the longest roads and connecting the most islands. As well as being fun for the whole family, it’s also one of the best board games for kids to try to put your kids in charge of the strategy and negotiations.
2. Ticket to Ride
This classic train game is becoming increasingly popular as people realize how engaging it is. It’s a game that can last as little as a few minutes but keeps players busy for hours.
One of the great aspects of this game is that it’s extremely easy to learn but also has an element of strategy and planning. Players collect train cards and try to connect cities while avoiding opponents’ trains.
At the end of each round, players usually have the option to upgrade their train cards to help them win. As well as being fun for the whole family, it’s also a great game to try to put your kids in charge of the strategy and planning.
3. Monopoly
Dominating the board game scene for almost 90 years, Monopoly is still one of the best board games for kids. Whether played with family, friends, or colleagues, Monopoly is sure to bring out the competitiveness in almost everyone.
It’s one of the few board games that can thrive in an adult company or with kids. This game can be played for many hours and still feel like a fun and engaging experience. The game’s goal is to collect money, buy properties, develop them, and charge other players rent.
When everyone has had their turn, the winners are the players with the most money. As well as being fun for the whole family, it’s also a great game to try to put your kids in charge of the strategy and battle with your friends.
4. Codenames
Codenames is a word game that has been around since the 80s but is finally getting the attention it deserves. This word association game is played like normal, except that one person acts as the “spy” and tries to hide a “map” behind their teammates.
They then try to give clues as to the hidden “map” while the rest of the team tries to guess correctly. The great thing about this game is that it’s great for all ages and is a fantastic team-building activity.
It also makes a great party game, as it brings everyone together. As well as being fun for the whole family, it’s also one of the best board games for kids to try to put them in charge of the strategy and figuring out which team member the “map” is hiding behind.
5. Hungry Hungry Hippos
This classic board game makes you “hungry” for more. You’ll probably want to play this game several times throughout your life.
Hungry Hungry Hippos is a game revolving around a group of hungry hippos that try to gobble up a group of unsuspecting tourists. The tourists roll a die and then try to escape the hippos’ mouths by landing on one of the five escape boats. It’s a fun, quick game that everyone will enjoy.
As well as being fun for the whole family, it’s also a great game to try to put your kids in charge of the strategy.
6. The Game of Life
Many people know the game of Life as “Cribbage,” but it’s also referred to as “The Game of Life.” This game has been around for hundreds of years and can be played by two to eight people. Basically, players draw cards and try to build a house as most of the cards represent houses.
However, each card has a face with different occupations that can help you build your house or ruin your efforts. The key to this game is to try to build your house as high as possible and collect the most cards with valuable occupations that give you lots of points.
As well as being fun for the whole family, it’s also one of the best board games for kids to try to put them in charge of the strategy and figuring out what cards to draw.
7. Candyland
This is one of the best board games for kids, sure to keep them happy for hours. It’s one of the world’s most popular kid’s games and has been played by many generations.
The game’s goal is to walk around the board collecting pieces of candy while avoiding scary monsters and other dangers.
To make things more challenging, the board is surrounded by deep, dangerous holes that will swallow your feet if you fall in. This game will test your wits and your agility.
8. Lords of Waterdeep
Lords of Waterdeep is a fantasy-style board game that has been around since 2013. It’s similar to Catan in that players try to create the longest roads on a map while creating cities, ports, and castles.
However, this board game features a story-driven campaign so players can see their progress on the board in real-time. This is a great game for anyone who loves fantasy and strategy.
9. Splendor
In terms of strategy and focus, Splendor is one of the best board games for kids. This strategic game is played on a hex tile board and is a great example of what a modern board game should be like.
Players try to trade gems for points while trying to avoid the law cards which are placed by the bank. Special power cards can also be used to change the game’s rules. It’s a great game that two to eight players can play.
10. Tsuro: The Game of Paths and Turns
This Japanese board game is a great example of a cross-cultural game. It’s a game that has been played for hundreds of years and involves drawing lines on the board to create a path. The twist is that the lines can be bent, looped, or curved, making it difficult to draw straight lines.
The goal is to be the first player to complete three straight lines. This game is great for all ages and can be played by two to eight people.
11. UNO
UNO is one of the best board games for kids because it’s simple to play yet difficult to master. This is because the goal of every game is to be the first player to get rid of all their cards. It’s a simple yet challenging game that’s great for many people.
Kids love this game for its simplicity and the longevity of its appeal. The game is also easy to transport, making it an excellent choice for families on the move.
12. Patchwork
This is one of the most creative and best board games for kids. It’s great for encouraging creativity and even promotes healthy competition. In this game, each player starts with a randomly created paleo.
Then, you must create a patchwork, combining different pieces of cloth to create entirely new designs. The goal is to create the best patchwork by combining patterns while avoiding your opponents’ pieces.
13. Mancala
Mancala is a great game for promoting teamwork and cooperation. It’s also an excellent way to teach your kids about patience and the importance of working slowly. In this game, you place a selection of stones on an open, container-shaped board.
The challenge is for your team to lift the stones and drop them into the board. Once a stone has been dropped, it cannot be retrieved. This is a great game for encouraging cooperation, teamwork, and patience.
14. Small World
For those times when you want to challenge your kids a little more, Small World is one of the best board games for kids. In this game, you create a world of different nations and civilizations.
Players then have to complete quests, visit each other’s cities, and fight enemies together. The goal is to reach a certain level and be the first team to accomplish it. This game is great for encouraging teamwork and creative thinking.
15. Traveling Carousel Board Game
If you love board games that promote creativity and teamwork, this is one of the best board games for kids. In it, you have to build a fantasy world using cards and tiles.
Then, you must create a story using these elements and place the tiles on a carousel, creating a beautiful and original design. This is a great game for encouraging creativity and team building.
16. Drawing and Painting Activity Board Game
This is one of the best board games for kids who love art. The game features a magnetic tray that can be used to hold paper and other art supplies. It’s also a great game for encouraging kids to take more ownership of their art.
Players take turns drawing and painting different shapes on the tray in this game. The goal is to create a beautiful work of art.
